Leeds Rhinos welcome the Wembley bound Leigh Leopards to Headingley today in a game that could see Rohan Smith’s side close the gap on the playoff places, whereas a win for Leigh will ensure they go back level on points with local rivals Wigan Warriors.
There was much speculation that the Leopards would name a heavily rotated side in preparation for Wembley with Leigh set for their first appearance in a Challenge Cup Final at the national stadium since 1971.
Adrian Lam rubbished the suggestion of doing that, something that their Wembley opponents Hull KR did on Friday night as they made wholesale changes and handed out six debuts, with Lam telling the Leigh Leopards Youtube channel of his intent to name a strong side.
Lam said: “We can’t afford to take our eyes off that ladder on the Super League. So you know, the preparation has been set all year, and the players know this, that we’ve got to pick our strongest team moving forward for this week.
“Maybe one or two players may be rested that have niggles and that’s a decision that we’ll make on captain’s run, but it’s business as usual for us.”
That was evident with a very strong 21-man squad named including Oliver Gildart with the centre now debuting today in a very strong Leigh side considering Wembley is in just six days time.
Josh Charnley is rested alongside Zak Hardaker with Tom Nisbet featuring whilst Kai O’Donnell returns from his suspension.
Joe Wardle returns from injury to make the bench but the core spine of O’Brien, Reynolds, Lam, Ipape and then skipper John Asiata remain.
https://twitter.com/LeighLeopardsRL/status/1688169299020500992?s=20
As for Leeds Rhinos they’re struggling in the spine with Blake Austin having made a late move to Castleford Tigers and their full back Richie Myler confirmed as being sidelined for six to ten weeks.
That’s prompted a chance that young halves Morgan Gannon and Jack Sinfield could feature having been named in the 21 man squad, whilst Luke Hooley has also been recalled form Batley and could well feature at full back instead.
Hooley does indeed start at full back whilst hooker Corey Johnson moves into the halves with Aiden Sezer.
Jack Sinfield will start from the bench whilst Luis Roberts pairs Rhyse Martin in the centres on account of Nene Macdonald moving to the wing following David Fusitu’a’s failed HIA last week.
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith has named his starting line up to face Leigh Leopards this afternoon, kick off 3pm
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